2019
-Craft physical mock-ups
-User interview and research
-Industrial Design Intern
-Co-led user interview
During my internship at Husqvarna, I had an opportunity to participate initial stage of their innovative project that focused on the Zero turn lawn mower. The project aimed to help users by integrating controls onto the steering handlebar, allowing them to keep their focus on the lawn ahead while operating the mower.
This hands-on experience provided me with valuable insights into designing products keeping the users at the center.
We conducted a comprehensive user research by setting up the current lawn mower in a controlled environment and engaging in 30-minute sessions with five internal users, all of whom were experienced with zero turn lawn mowers.
To conduct the testing, I developed cardboard prototypes that helped in hands-on exploration and discussion of each feature. This approach allowed users to physically interact with the prototypes, providing valuable insights as they assessed the placement of various controls.
All control components were designed to be attachable and detachable, enabling users to simulate the driving experience by adjusting the controls to their preferred positions during the interview process.
Outcomes
In the user test, preferences varied among participants regarding the placement of key controls on the Zero turn lawn mower.
Three users wanted the on/off button on the handlebar, while two preferred it on the side control panel.
Similarly, three users wanted blade engagement controls on the handlebar, while the remaining two preferred them on the side panel.
Two users preferred the side panel controls due to familiarity but instead, they were interested in having a new features on the handlebar.
Users were interested in a larger display that can show various different information about the lawn mower, but they felt it could be distracting, so they suggested placing it on the side panel instead.
These findings highlight the importance of considering user habits, preferences, and potential distractions while deciding on the optimal placement of controls and features on the Zero turn lawn mower, with the ultimate goal of enhancing user experience and efficiency during operation.
Learnings
User-Centered Design
I gained a deep appreciation for the importance of prioritizing user needs and preferences in product development.
Engaging with users allowed me to understand their behaviors, pain points, and desires.
Prototyping Techniques
Developing cardboard prototypes provided invaluable hands-on experience in translating design concepts into tangible, interactive models.
This process not only facilitated user feedback but also enhanced my proficiency in rapid prototyping techniques, enabling quick iteration and refinement of design ideas.